Chief Nourishment Officer
I didn’t choose the role of Chief Nourishment Officer. This role chose me.
There’s an undeniable pattern in my life, one that is ingrained in my DNA, having followed me from childhood to adulthood. It follows me from casual moments to serious gatherings. Whether it’s during a bereavement or a celebration, I have grown to embrace my unofficial (but very real) title: Chief Nourishment Officer.
Nourishment is More Than Feeding People
Food is more than the stuff we put in our mouths each day. It is sustenance, it is medicine, it is nourishment. Preparing food is an act of care. It is a love language, and it is indeed a responsibility. When we make time to nourish others, it’s not simply about filling stomachs. It’s about contributing to the well-being of anyone who receives what we have created.
To NOURISH someone is to fuel them with elements needed for growth, health, and good condition. It is the foundation of any and everything we have in this life.
Live the seasoned life
(Note this definition intentionally does not reference food or cooking.)
Nourishing others matters because – if you are the Chief Nourishment Officer in your circle – you bear the responsibility of providing options that will satisfy whoever you’re feeding. You bear the responsibility of sustaining those you love, giving them energy to do great things, to achieve their goals, and to provide meaning to this world. No pressure. 🙂
I need to make an important point here: the role of Chief Nourishment Officer doesn’t require cooking. It merely requires that you strategize what foods are available, not who prepares and serves the food. It means that others look to you for those elements of “home” that cannot be described in words. This role does not require hours of your life spent over a hot stove. You can ABSOLUTELY be a Chief Nourishment Officer who orders take-out several times each week.
Nourishment Goes Beyond Nutrition
Many people (myself included) find themselves defaulting to quick, processed, and often unhealthy options that leave them feeling sluggish and unwell. Though perfect for a busy lifestyle, these options deteriorate our bodies. True nourishment does not deteriorate; it improves the body and supports it in every way. As a Chief Nourishment Officer, my intent is always the same: to provide food that supports the health of those who will enjoy it.
More recently, I’ve recognized the importance around proper nourishment for my family at a greater level. As Chief Nourishment Officer, I recognize that their health is counting on my ability to make sound decisions which reflect what is best for them in the long-run.
There’s a caveat here, as there are many nourishing dishes originating from my culture which are, ahem, less than nutritious. These dishes, however, nourish the soul in a way that healthier dishes cannot. These are the dishes that ground us and remind us of generations past. These heavier, cultural dishes provide foundational nourishment that we don’t need daily, but we do need occasionally to support our confidence and long-term well-being. This is precisely why the meal preps I’ve sent to my dad & brother have been culturally meaningful. There’s something about mom’s recipe for collard greens that nourishes the soul infinitely better than a massaged kale salad.
The Importance of Nourishing Well
For my family and myself, choosing nourishing options means selecting whole, nutrient-dense foods as often as possible. The goal here is to use food as medicine, and prevent or manage health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or food sensitivity as best we can. In my own household, dairy-free options have become a staple, ensuring that meals are both delicious and gut-friendly. Our bodies simply don’t respond well to lactose, and there’s no “magic little pill” I’m willing to take in order to eat foods that my body doesn’t like.
My kids will not eat raw kale at every meal, but (like many of you) I sneak veggies in when I can, and I find as many ways as possible to healthfully fill their bodies otherwise. We are all part of this “healthy eating” struggle with the kids, am I right?
My spouse relies on me (and take out menus) for his nutrition, as he does not cook. If his reflux is bothering him, I generally won’t feed him highly acidic foods for dinner (like spaghetti). Instead, I look for reflux-friendly meals that allow his body to heal and improve. This simple choice allows him to focus on his other roles, and fuels him to execute at maximum capacity in his day-to-day work.
See what I mean? As Chief Nourishment Officer, I set the strategy for how my family will be nourished, ensuring their nourishment aligns with our family values around health and wellness. This does not mean that I cook all the food myself, but I choose to take great pride in deciding what we will eat.
Five Key Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go
Let’s be honest—many of us lead incredibly busy lives. Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, it is tempting to grab whatever is convenient, regardless of nutritional value. According to the USDA, nearly 90% of Americans don’t consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which are essential for heart health, digestion, and immune function.
Here are my top 5 tips for maintaining a nutritious diet without sacrificing convenience:
1. Plan Ahead
Meal prepping isn’t just for fitness professionals! Spending a couple of hours prepping healthy meals and snacks for the week ensures that you always have good options available, reducing the temptation to grab fast food. Planning ahead lets you take control of your nutrition, utilizing elements that are most beneficial growth, health, and recovery. Plus, batch cooking saves a bunch of time in the long-run, freeing up your week nights for fun (or carpool).
Meal prep for snacks should be delicious and fun. Check out this list of 15 meal prep snacks to get you through the work week.
2. Choose Whole, Unprocessed Foods
When grocery shopping, focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The fewer ingredients on the label, the better. For most grocery stores, these types of quality items are found around the perimeter of the store whereas the aisles running through the center of the store are filled with processed foods. GoodRx has an excellent article explaining grocery store layouts.
If it comes in a box or a bag, it is a processed food.
3. Pack Smart Snacks
We cannot trust our health to vending machines or the gas station. Keep healthy, portable options like nuts, seeds, fruit in your bag or car. If you meal prep weekly, dedicate time to pre-portioning personal snack packs to grab on the go during the week as well. Again, it’s your job to control your nutrition. If you know you get munchy at certain times of the day, pack grab and go snacks that nourish the body instead of starving it of productive fuel. Check out this Smart Snack Guide for Schools developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture.
4. Hydrate Well
There’s much debate about how much water the body truly needs. Even still, sometimes our perceived hunger is actually dehydration. If you’re feeling hungry at awkward times, drink a bit of water and decide if the hunger pains are sign of dehydration or your body requesting fuel.
Chief Nourishment Officers pay attention to what the body needs, not only what it wants.
There’s also debate regarding flavored water and whether it counts toward total water intake for the day. I’m curious to know your perspective; leave a comment and tell me what you think. If I drink 2 cups of hot tea during the day, does that count as 2 cups of water? After all, it was made by steeping tea bags in water. What say you?
5. Opt for Balanced Meals (most of the time)
A solid meal contains a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates. Ideally, it is comprised of at least one vibrant color (think green salad, carrots, blueberries, etc.). I try to teach my kids that if their plate is entirely beige (let’s say, noodles, corn dog, and chips), it’s not balanced. Go back to the kitchen and replace something with a color of the rainbow. (Grab a carrot instead of those noodles or an apple instead of those chips.) They don’t always listen, but I like to hope the seeds of healthy eating will take root as they get older. The right combination of foods keep blood sugar levels stable, provide lasting energy, and gives the body the nutrients it needs to properly function. Check out 58 ways to eat the rainbow.
Bonus Tip!
Get proper rest to avoid the “Sleep Munchies.” I find that my body craves junk food most when it’s tired, typically around the same time of the day. My body doesn’t really want a cookie; it’s simply looking for a quick sugar rush to keep up with my inappropriate demand of it to stay awake, instead of taking the break it actually needs. Learn more about the Sleep Munchies from NPR.
Berry Banana Chia Pudding
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings 1x
Description
Go to non-dairy snacks are the best for eating healthy on the go. Prep this one at night to grab the next morning for breakfast or a snack, or enjoy as a dessert. Chia pudding is packed with fiber, omega-3s, and protein, making it a great option for sustaining energy throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, cherries, etc)
- 1/2 mashed banana
- 1 tbsp chopped, unsalted nuts or seeds (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or mason jar, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Stir well immediately, to prevent the seeds from clumping together.
- Add in the fruit and stir.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency
- Before serving, stir again and top with nuts and seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
If you’re not a fan of the texture, try using the same amount of vanilla or plain yogurt instead of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 mins
Embracing Your Role as a Chief Nourishment Officer
Like I mentioned, this role chose me.
Feeding others has always been second nature. It’s a trait passed to me by my mother, and I truly believe that recognizing this pattern (instead of fighting it) is a way to honor and celebrate my best, unique self. I encourage you to honor your best, unique self as well. Whether you’re the go-to person for emotional support, career advice, or (like me) down to cook a solid meal, honoring these recurring life themes may be the compass you need, pointing to your greater purpose.
Not everyone enjoys cooking or meal prepping, but nourishing others doesn’t require elaborate meals. A simple act, like making an extra portion of a healthy dinner for a loved one or sharing a nutritious snack, can make a difference in someone’s day.
So, if you find yourself always making sure others are well-fed, welcome to the club! You, too, might be a Chief Nourishment Officer. And if that’s the case, why not make it your mission to fuel others in a way that elevates their health and well-being?
Call to Action
If you’re ready to take control of your nourishment journey—whether for yourself or those around you—start small. Go through this blog to find a new recipe to try, swap out processed snacks for whole foods, or commit to meal prepping just one day a week. And if you want to be in community with someone who truly “gets it,” be sure to follow along on The Seasoned Life blog and Instagram. Let’s walk in our purpose, together!
Stay seasoned, my friends!
By the way…I am not a licensed nutritionist or health professional. This content is solely my opinion and should not be considered advice suitable for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. For specific guidance regarding your nutrition or health habits, contact your primary care professional.
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